Sixty-six Catholics. That’s how many people attended the first Mass at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church. Can you imagine? A small town nestled between Belvoir and Quantico. The year was 1956. Woodbridge was a far cry from the bustling community it is today. Our Lady of Angels wasn’t even a church yet just a Mass held in a school auditorium.
Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church a beacon of faith in Woodbridge Virginia has a rich history. It all began with Reverend George Ecker pastor of All Saints in Manassas. He saw the need for a Catholic presence in this growing community. Parishioners were carrying a portable altar in their car trunks for every Sunday Mass. Dedication finally came in October 1958. The small chapel was completed and formally dedicated.
The church wasn’t always as large or well-established as it is now. In fact it initially served a much smaller area. Over the years the Diocese established new parishes. Holy Family Parish and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish were both carved out of what was originally Our Lady of Angels territory. This speaks volumes about the growth of the Catholic community in the area. This church played a vital role in its development.
But Our Lady of Angels continued to thrive. Masses in Spanish started in 1982 reflecting the changing demographics. A new church building was constructed in 1985 a testament to the enduring faith and dedication of the congregation. The Stigmatine Order initially served the parish. They later transferred their ministry to the Diocese in 1994. Today the Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary from Spain serve Our Lady of Angels.
The growth extends beyond the church walls. Our Lady of Angels partnered with others to establish Saint Thomas Aquinas Regional School in 1977. This pre-K through 8 school serves three parishes. The school is located within Our Lady of Angels Catholic Center. Our Lady of Angels continues to be a hub of spiritual growth and community engagement. It is a story of remarkable growth resilience and faith. From those first 66 faithful to a thriving parish it is a testament to the power of community. And here we are today standing before this beautiful testament to faith.